Stanley E. “Stan” Schwartz, 70, of Galena, IL, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Midwest Medical Senior Care Center in Galena. A celebration of his life will be held at 4 PM on Friday , September 5, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may gather starting at 2 PM until the time of service. He was born on November 8, 1954, in Alhambra, CA, to Dr. Monte and Alice (Charwell) Schwartz. He graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a B.S. in Agricultural Business Management in 1979. He served in the Peace Corps from 1980 to 1982 in the Philippines. Stan married Kimberly Ann Bender on February 13, 1988, in Las Vegas, NV. He had a passion for gardening, cooking, Civil War history, raising waterfowl, and Irish Setters. Stan worked for the American Red Cross, serving in the Greater Long Beach Chapter, the Midwest Regional Office in Oakbrook, IL, and the American Red Cross of the Tri-States in Dubuque, IA. He participated in several national disaster relief operations, including the Southern California October fires (1982), Arizona fall floods (1983), March storms in Southern California (1983), the Labor Day weekend Aero Mexico plane crash in Cerritos, CA (1986), the Missouri/Mississippi floods (1986), the Southern California Earthquake (1987), the Thanksgiving Day flood in Puerto Rico (1987), the Plainfield, IL tornado (1990), and the Oahu flood (1991). He was a member of the Rotary Clubs in Lakewood, California, and Dubuque, Iowa, as well as a member of the Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors. Stan is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kimberly Ann Schwartz; his sister-in-law Gwynne Bablitch (husband Matt) and their children Alex, Nicholas, and Anna Bablitch; his sister-in-law Jody Green and her children Kendra Fulton (husband Brian) and family, and Emily Green; his brother Steve Schwartz (wife Diane) and their children Kristin Schwartz, Erin Hasenoehrl and family, Raelyn Lott, Christine Arakawa and family, and Steven DeLong and family; his brother Stuart Schwartz (wife Jacqueline) and their children Andrina Zolj-Schwartz and family, and Taylor Schwartz. He was preceded in death by his parents. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Midwest Medical Senior Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and the Parkinson’s Foundation. The family extends deep appreciation to Dr. Gregory Vandigo, the Midwest Medical Center, Midwest Medical Senior Care Center, Dubuque Hospice, and friends who brought Stan joy and comfort throughout his 15-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Stanley Schwartz
My sympathy to Kimberly and the family. I’m very sad to hear of Stan’s passing. I knew him for many years and he was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. Rest in peace, Stan. You helped make the world a better place.
Stan was the best that happened to the Dubuque Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was one of the most kind and dedicated people I knew. His work was stellar, yet he always strived to do more!! I am proud to have worked with Stan and to call him FRIEND!! He will always hold a close place in my heart!! God has blessed him and welcomed into His Family in Heaven!!
I worked with Stan for nearly 10 years at the Greater Long Beach ARC Chapter, and respected his work ethic, knowledge of the true mission represented by the American Red Cross, his humility, friendly demeanor, and especially his famous one line jokes!! I worked with Kim, too, and always appreciated her honesty, intelligence and great personality. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kim and family members on both sides. I just know that Stan’s sense of humor is keeping all the angels on their toes…and that he is enjoying his brand new body! God Bless You, Stan❤️ See you soon!!